As gas prices rise around the U.S. amid the ongoing war in Iran, many drivers are seeking savings at the pump — here are some ways travelers around Boston and throughout the Commonwealth can bring their costs down.
“At least for now, the average gas price in Boston is just hovering below the $4 mark,” said Patrick De Haan, the head of petroleum analysis at the gas-finder app GasBuddy. … “The price is up still 17 cents from a week ago, and up 84 cents in the last month. But that’s a pretty light jump at the pump compared to the national average, which is up $1 a gallon in the last month.”
The future of gas price remain very uncertain across the U.S. as Iran continues to block oil from passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran announced over the weekend they would allow 20 Pakistani tankers through the strait, on top of 10 vessels last week.
In Massachusetts, the average gas price remained at $3.796 on Sunday, nearly 20 cents below the national average, according to AAA.
Suffolk County reported the some of the highest prices at a $3.933 average, just after Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket ranging closer to $5 a gallon, AAA reported. The lowest averages in the state were reported in Bristol County, at $3.707, and Plymouth County, at $3.728.
Adjusting driving
“There’s a lot of different ways to reduce the impact of what’s happening on your wallet,” said De Haan. “First and foremost, your driving habits.”
Most Americans are “a bit inefficient” with driving habits, De Haan said, recommending reducing rapid acceleration and higher speeds to increase fuel efficiency. For instance, driving 62 mph versus driving 75 mph can reduce fuel consumption by about 15%, according to GasBuddy.
Other steps like keeping tires inflated, using A/C sparingly as needed, using cruise control, avoiding long idling, and servicing your vehicle regularly can also significantly help save fuel, GasBuddy recommends. Avoiding heavy loads on the car — including taking off roof racks when they’re not in use — and keeping windows closed can also help the vehicle remain more of its aerodynamic and save gas.
“How hard your engine works, how much you accelerate can have a vast impact on the amount of miles you get per tank,” De Haan said.
Finding cheaper gas
And when drivers do need to fill their tank, there are tools to help ensure they’re getting the most for their money.
“Tools like GasBuddy, Google Maps can show you where the lowest gas prices are around you,” said De Haan. … “Motorists should always be shopping around, using apps to find lower prices. It’s something that we spend multiple thousands of dollars a year on, gasoline, and it would just make sense to take a few moments to make sure you’re getting the best price before filling your tank up.”
Google Maps now offers an AI-driven system “Ask Maps” to allow drivers to see gas prices along their route, while GasBuddy can also display recent prices reported by users.
In Massachusetts, the best gas price Sunday was reported at an Econo Gas in South Weymouth at $3.39, according to GasBuddy. A Cumberland Farms in Orange offered $3.40 a gallon Sunday, just behind $3.43 at a New World station in Whitman and $3.44 at a Costco in West Springfield.
In the greater Boston area, the best price could be located at Costco in Dedham, at $3.47 a gallon for members on Sunday, GasBuddy showed.
Savings programs
“Once you’re at that station, making sure that if a free loyalty program is offered, it’s worth considering,” said De Haan. “Especially if that loyalty program, like many, lowers prices. Many loyalty programs are free to sign up for, and they may reduce your pump price by five to 15 cents a gallon.”
AAA recommends programs including the Shell Fuel Rewards Program, which allows drivers to save $0.30 on their first fill-up and then typically $0.03 a gallon at the Silver Status to start; Speedway Speedy Rewards, which allows drivers to earn flexible point rewards on items like fuels and snacks, though it takes 1,750 points, equivalent to about 14 to 20 fill-ups, to save $0.10 a gallon; 7Rewards at 7-Eleven, which includes a $0.11 per gallon discount for the first seven fill-ups, then $0.05 a gallon after and flexible point rewards.
The app Upside offers cash back rewards for using a card to fill up the tank at over 50,000 businesses, often in the range of 11 to 25 cents a gallon.
Cumberland Farms in the region allow drivers to download a SmartPay Rewards Fuel app or sign-up online. The process links a free account to a checking account and allows drivers to save $0.10 a gallon at local Cumberland Farms.
“You can also link payments card to a checking account for further savings at a rising number of stations,” said De Haan. “That is, you can pay through your checking account or debit card at a lower price.”
Wholesale programs in the region also present savings opportunities for many. Costco and BJ’s Wholesale Club both offer membership access, resulting in some of the lowest gas prices in the state. BJ’s Club+ $120 annual membership allows drivers to save an additional 5 cents a gallon.
“It certainly does vary by retailer,” De Haan said. “I would encourage motors to spend a few moments to look at what their prospective retailer offers in the terms of savings programs, loyalty programs, to help reduce your impact when prices rise.”
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